Janelle Ang Kai Ying, 14

School: CHIJ Secondary

Topic: Email to aunt on her health

Award: Merit, Junior Category, 2022

Dear Aunt Sandra,

How have you been? Are you recovering well from your transplant? I am writing to you as we are all worried for you. It seems that you have fallen back into your past habits of drinking and smoking. These unhealthy lifestyle choices are not good for you!

It has been three months since your transplant and it seems that you are making the same mistake that caused you to need that transplant. I understand that it may be difficult to break the habit and change for the better but it is important that you cherish your new organ and keep it healthy. You are one of the lucky few to be able to receive an organ. It is important for you to take care of your liver as it is like your last hope. We all do not want to see you in the position you were when you found out you needed the transplant again!

Breaking your past habits and changing for the better is difficult but you have to stay strong and persevere to live life to the fullest! If you do not change, your health will keep deteriorating and it will bring you back to square one. Drinking and smoking is not only bad for your liver but also bad for your overall health. With deteriorating health and a weakened immune system you would be more prone to illnesses and the common flu. These will take a toll on your already deteriorating health. Change is your choice and you need to make the effort to change so you can live your new life, the second chance given to you, to its very best.

Perhaps, some steps you could take to change your lifestyle are exercising regularly, eating healthily and talking to your friends and family about it. When you are feeling stressed, you can turn to exercise to calm your nerves and clear your mind. Exercise not only helps your physical health but it also helps improve your mental health! The food we choose also makes a difference! You could try incorporating avocados or switching to olive oil when preparing your meals. These foods are high in Omega 3 which is good for your liver health! Encouragement and support are important for you to make the first step to change. Talking to your friends and family about your challenges and gaining their support will help you on your journey and keep you from turning back to your old ways.

Whenever you need a listening ear you can talk to Uncle Mark or send me a message, we would be glad to help!

I hope you understand why we are all so worried for you. We want nothing but the best for you so please use some of the methods I mentioned to help you in your journey to change. I wish you good health and stay strong!

Love,
Helen

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2022 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health). To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg